Cool Things to Do in Barcelona: 1
Discover Gaudi
If you are looking for cool things to do in Barcelona you’re in the right place. Our guide will give you 7 of the coolest things to do in Barcelona that should be enough for any first time visitor.
Barcelona spellbinds with or without Gaudí. Yet when visiting, his one-of-a-kind architectural creations can’t be ignored. Even casual art fans become awestruck by his legendary designs gracing the cityscape. We guarantee you will have a great time uncovering Barcelona secrets.
While Barcelona offers unique architectural wonders, those interested in Spain’s diverse landscapes might also consider exploring places to visit in Tenerife for a different kind of beauty.
Here are Gaudi’s 3 Must See Masterpieces
i. Park Güell
The odd mosaics and wavy lines of Park Güell come from its designer, the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. He created many parts of this Barcelona park, which opened in 1926. At first, it was going to be an upscale neighbourhood. Now it’s one of the most visited city spots and shows off the Catalan modern art style.
The entry with two fairy tale homes and the well-known salamander fountain gets the most visitors. You need tickets to go to the park these days. The benches with colourful broken tiles stand out. Even just seeing those makes the trip to Barcelona worthwhile. Park Güell gives a good feel for Gaudi’s talents. No wonder it’s so admired.
While Barcelona boasts Gaudi’s unique parks, Madrid offers its own set of attractions and cultural highlights worth exploring.
ii. The One-of-a-Kind Casa Milà
People call Casa Mila “La Pedrera.” This very strange building was put up between 1906 and 1912 by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. In 1984 the United Nations honoured it as historic. Now Fundacio Catalunya La Pedrera is headquartered there. The building also has a culture centre that’s a top Barcelona spot for events and exhibits in various spaces.
Going to Casa Mila helps us grasp Gaudi’s wild architecture better. It also takes us back to when he was alive designing iconic Barcelona. From the outside, the wavy stone walls look almost like a quarry or open mine. No wonder its nickname La Pedrera means “the stone quarry.” Casa Mila shows off Gaudi’s skills. Even today, the house design stays bold and one-of-a-kind.
While Barcelona shines in summer, visiting Spain during winter can offer a unique perspective on its architectural wonders and cultural experiences.
iii. Casa Batlló With its Dragon Roof
Once inside Casa Batlló, follow the audio tour to learn about everything this Barcelona landmark offers. On the Noble Floor where the Batlló family once lived, hear about their life and how they picked Gaudí to redesign their famous home.
Go on the rooftop to enjoy awesome city views from the terrace and see Gaudí’s intricate tile work. Don’t miss the “Dragon’s Back” which is also up there. The Gaudí Dome and Cube are newer additions letting you experience Gaudí with all five senses.
The Dome teaches his backstory through a multimedia exhibit. The Cube’s LED room gives insight into how Gaudí thought. Taking the tour brings this one-of-a-kind house to life.
See also: San Sebastian itinerary
Cool Things to Do in Barcelona: 2
Stroll La Rambla
If you have time in Barcelona, be sure to see La Rambla. It’s the city’s most famous street, packed with awesome eateries, shops, and theatres. La Rambla has a cool history too. Additionally its different sections were named after saints, like Santa Mònica or Sant Josep. If you’re interested in exploring more of Spain, consider visiting Bilbao or the charming town of Nerja on the southern coast.
The Sant Josep part is also called La Rambla dels Flors or Flower Walk. That’s because, between the 1500s and 1700s, the street had lots of churches and convents lining it. None still stand today, but the stunning Barcelona Cathedral with its towering Gothic spires and roof gargoyles is nearby.
Wandering La Rambla also lets you take in the liveliest parts of Barcelona. Seeing the mix of fancy old buildings and modern stores shows how the city blends past and present.
The Best Place to People Watch on La Rambla
Cafè de l’Opera has been in the same La Rambla spot since 1929. Its pretty stained glass makes you feel like you stepped back in time to Vienna. The coffee quality beats most modern cafes too.
When it’s nice out, go to the terrace. Sipping chocolate with churros there and watching people is fantastic. As one of Barcelona’s classic cafes, L’Opera brings the city’s past to life.
Its charm and prime location never get old.
Cool Things to Do in Barcelona: 3
Explore the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter has lots of small streets and plazas showing the city’s medieval past. Stone palaces, houses, and Gothic churches fill this down town area. It’s one of the most interesting parts of Barcelona. For more historic architecture and fascinating sights, don’t miss the best of Southern Spain.
The narrow lanes also hold the old Jewish section. Then the key squares to see are Sant Jaume, El Rei, and La Reial. El Rei has some of Barcelona’s best medieval buildings, including part of the old Roman wall.
La Reial’s arched porches make it an exceptionally charming spot. That’s why it’s popular day and night for cafes and bars.
Wandering the Gothic Quarter, you feel transported back in time thanks to the medieval lanes and classic stone architecture. Yet modern shops and restaurants remind us that this is still a lively neighbourhood. at the heart of today’s Barcelona.
Cool Things to Do in Barcelona: 4
Visit Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia
Construction started on Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona in 1882. The famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi designed this church for the Holy Family. However construction relies only on donated money which continues today.
Visitors can ride elevators up the tall towers for excellent city views. Gaudi’s decorative entrances and crypt earned historical awards. Buying your tickets early means skipping long lines. Besides seeing Gaudi’s magical Park Güell on the same day combines his works.
Also even unfinished, the massive church impresses all with its fantasy-like spires and details. The goal is to finish by 2026, marking 100 years since Gaudi died. His vision continues to awe Barcelona with this ever-evolving wonder.
Cool Things to Do in Barcelona: 5
Discover Nova Icaria Beach
The Nova Icaria beach in Barcelona extends about 400 meters long. Its calm waters attract families with kids and friend groups wanting a peaceful shore. You’ll find all needed amenities right on the beach. More bars and eateries line the streets behind too.
See also: Travel guide to Nerja, Spain
Fine golden sand fills this sheltered cove by the harbour built for the Olympics. Despite the big city location, the beach stays pretty tidy. Mainly locals and metro Barcelona residents soak up the sun here rather than travellers.
Furthermore you can play beach volleyball or soccer on Nova Icaria’s courts. Ping pong tables are available too. Beach bars and promenade cafes offer snacks or drinks for when you need a break. The low-key vibes make Nova Icaria a go-to getaway from Barcelona’s bustling beaches.
Cool Things to Do in Barcelona: 6
Chill at Ciutadella Park
Parque de la Ciutadella spans over 17 hectares today but was once a fortress. Inside you’ll now find the city zoo, science museums, a lake with rental row boats, lots of paths for running or biking, and green space for relaxing.
See also: Bilbao Spain things to do
On nice days or weekends, go early to claim a good spot since they fill fast.
Some original buildings still stand too, like the military chapel, the Governor’s palace, and the arsenal now housing the Catalonia parliament. In one corner young Antoni Gaudí helped design a tall majestic waterfall. Its views from the temple up top impress.
The park is considered an outdoor art museum. Meanwhile must-sees include a giant mammoth statue delighting kids and the famed “Woman with Umbrella” sculpture that represented Barcelona. Whether exploring the sites or just picnicking on the grass, Parque de la Ciutadella offers something for everyone right in the city centre.
Cool Things to Do in Barcelona: 7
The Magic Fountain Show
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc amazes as one of Barcelona’s top sights. It sits in Plaça de les Cascades, surrounded by lovely gardens and city views. Built between 1929-1930, it features over 80 water jets performing a fantastic show set to music.
Also from Thursday through Sunday evenings, come watch the water dance in rainbow hues under colourful light displays spanning the night sky. The fountain creates a romantic setting that’s perfect for photos too. Additionally visitors have many excellent viewpoints around the area’s cascading waterfalls.
As the jets change height and patterns, this moving water sculpture put on quite a performance! Furthermore the Magic Fountain’s music, lights, and liquids constantly intertwine in beautiful harmony. It rightfully remains one of Barcelona’s most iconic and entertaining attractions for all.
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Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Barcelona
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Nerja stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Spain
Indeed, renting a car in Barcelona is easy and is a great way to explore Spain freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
The best way to book your accommodation in Spain is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Spain
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit the cool things to do in Barcelona.
